Impala Rustenburg recently celebrated another 12 female miners who, through the Impala Miner Development Programme, succeeded in earning the coveted status of ‘Platinum Miner.’ This brings to 14 the total number of female Platinum Miners at Impala’s Western Limb operations, underscoring these trailblazing women’s dedication and skill, and our commitment to improving gender inclusivity.

Launched in 2020, the Miner Development Programme provides structured, high-quality training and support to those miners aiming to reach their highest potential. Participants work to meet consistent and rigorous safety and production standards. Candidates can only achieve Platinum Miner status once these results are achieved — and sustained over time.

“We are incredibly proud of these 12 women, who have demonstrated remarkable resilience and capability in meeting the stringent programme criteria,” says Moses Motlhageng, Chief Executive at Impala’s Western Limb operations. “Their success is a significant personal accomplishment and a point of pride for the entire Impala workforce. It shows that hard work, a commitment to safety, and team spirit lead to excellence in our industry.”

Among the new Platinum Miners is Flora Ndluli, the first woman to earn this title at Impala’s 20 Shaft. Flora’s journey in mining spans her 18 years with Impala Rustenburg, progressing from a Store Issuer to a Winch Operator before becoming a Miner in 2013. Now, with Platinum Miner status, she reflects on the journey with pride: “Becoming a Platinum Miner really means a lot to me,” says Ndluli. “It is recognition of my hard work, and it motivates me to keep working safely and productively every day.”

Ndluli’s advice to other women in mining is to stay committed and embrace the teamwork that mining demands. “If you’re aiming for this goal, you need to commit yourself to your work and be patient. You also need to be like a family with your co-workers because they are the ones doing the job and who you work with every day,” she says. “For any young girls who want to have a career in mining one day, I would say that they need to trust themselves and keep focussed, and to avoid looking around at what other people are doing. Find a job that you love and focus on doing your job.”

Motlhageng concluded by saying, “We congratulate these 12 exceptional women on their outstanding achievement. We are proud to celebrate them and hope to see many more women earning this title in future.”